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SA STYLE AUTUMN 2O18
/ GETAWAY #THERIVERLAND /
Set your own pace, take in the breathtaking
views and bask in the uniqueness of this
South Australian holiday hotspot.
Take me
to the river
I
t’s kind of a South Australian rite
of passage – just ask anyone who’s
grown up in SA and ‘going up the
river’ was a familiar sentence thrown
around on the lead-up to most long
weekends. Families had shacks, teenagers
water-skied and camping chairs lined the
river bank as visitors settled in for a few
days of R&R.
Those simple pleasures are still there, but
there is now a swag full of other attractions
that make this part of the world a holiday
must. For those who like the nicer things
in life there are luxury houseboats and
award-winning cellar doors, while for the
more adventurous holiday-makers there
are kayak tours, swimming holes and water
sports galore.
WORDS BY LAURA MAPPAS
[EAT+DRINK]
The Riverland is known for its fresh produce
–
in fact, most of the state’s citrus and stone
fruits are grown in this region, as well as
about a quarter of Australia’s grapes.
This gamut of seasonal produce has been
the backbone of this area since the river
was first settled, but these days there’s
more to this place than just oranges.
Visitors can now enjoy award-winning wines
from small batch wineries and distilleries –
try Angroves Winery, Mallee Estate,
Caudo Vineyards, Burk Salter and 919
Wines. Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery
(the Riverland’s only micro-brewery) is also
worth a visit. If you want to step back in
time pop into The Overland Corner Hotel,
one of South Australia’s oldest pubs,
where you’ll hear tales of bushrangers,
bank robbers and ghosts. If that's not your
thing you can while the day away at one
of the many foodie hubs. Flavours of the
Riverland is a popular spot for grazing
plates, homemade breads and locally
roasted coffee, while the Bella Lavender
Estate is ideal for a light lunch – think
delicious wood-fired pizza and homemade
lasagne. As the name suggests this place is
also home to a lavender farm, and its own
10-hole putt putt golf course!
[PLAY]
The number one attraction is of course
the mighty River Murray – kayak, canoe
or water ski your way around to take in
the true beauty. Lake Bonney in Barmera
is a great swimming spot and ideal for
windsurfers and kite surfers. Back on land,
there are plenty of walking trails through
national parks, five spectacular golf
courses and a number of boutique
wineries and distilleries.
[SHOP]
Loxton, on the south bank of the Murray,
is home to Mureti Boutique where you’ll
find labels like Stevie May, Backstage and
Nana Judy to name a few, as well as La Villa
for furniture and homewares. Further north
in Berri you can’t go past Henri & Cooper
for clothing, homewares and great gifts!
THERE’S MORE TO THIS
PLACE THAN JUST ORANGES;
VISITORS CAN ENJOY AWARD-
WINNING WINES FROM SMALL
BATCH WINERIES OR WHILE
THE DAY AWAY AT ONE OF THE
MANY FOODIE HUBS
Wakeboarding at Caudo Vineyards
Image: SATC/Jonathan van der Knaap
Aggie's Fruit Stall, Glossop
Image: SATC/Adam Bruzzone
The Frames, Paringa
Image: SATC/Jonathan van der Knaap
“